The Washington critic., 1887-02-01

OF the nunts were settled without
bloodshcd, and the gossiping crows
were forbidden to sit on the fence
telling evil stories OF every one. The
poor were cared for and the first feast
at the palace was for certain imprOvi'
dent butterflies who had neglected 10
make their cocoOns before the cold
weather came. The poor gentlefolk
were sent TO new home under the
mullen leaves and passed n comfort.
able winter with other insects In like
case.
Many quiet charities went on, and
slowly the flowers were forced to con
fess that the new plan was not o fail.
ure, for the world still stood though a
queen ruled Never had the meadow
Icen so beautiful, orderly and pros
porous; even the Cardinals could not
deny that, though they still turned
their backs on Violet, and visited the
Golden Rods more than ever.
The Asters, of course, were In great
feather, and some of them put on airs;
but most of them rejoiced quietly, and
did their best to help Her Majesty rule
wisely and justly, sure that In time
prejudices would die away, and all
agree that the new plan was good
one.
Prince Golden.Rod, as they called
the defeated flower, still lived In the
palace and watched for Violet to fail,
that he might win back his own place.
But when all went well he began 10
think his chance was lost, and to con-
slider what he had best do about IL.
lie could not live so near his lovely
neighbor and not admire her dignity,
sweetness and wisdom; and soon he
began to love her, and 10 wish he could
share the honor and affection most OF
her subjects felt for her. lie told his
friends to come TO court and lie cor
dial; and, being worldly wise, they
obeyed him. Tbis left the Cardinals
and their party out in the cold, and
made them very angry. They could
not bear 10 oHn that they had been 10
the wrong, yet felt that IL must come,
and tried 10 conquer their preiudices,
but found 1t very hard work. Clenlltis
gave in first, for suddenly she began TO
climb up the Maple Tree and enjoy the
light and air, instead Of hiding 10 the
grass; and when asked about this sud.
den start she said, hravcly:
j couldn't live so near the Queen
| and not long to be stronger and nObler
| than | was. Now see what large,
lovely world It is, aud mean to go on
| climbing till, like the Maple, my head
is near the sky, though my roots ure in
| the earth.
"Wer, If she gives in we must, j"
| said the Gentians, who always fol.
lowed the fashion, no matter what it
was.
The aristocratic Cardinals still held
out, but not for long, for soon some.
thing happendcd which made 1t i'm.
possible for them TO refuse 10 50 to
| court.
One moonlight night, as Prince
Golden.rod was romantically serenad.
ing Violet on a wind harp, he heard
her sigh, and hastily pulling away
the screen of ferns, begged to know If
lie could help her in any way.
"Be my friend and help me with al.
vice, for in some things you are wiser
than !, answered Violet softly. The
Maple lifts my heart up when it is
heavy, but he lives so far above US, |
cannot trouble him with the cares of
our small world. The Rock gives me
courage and support, but he is very
old and the short life Of flower is a
triile to him. My own sturdy sisters,
who have borne the sun and dust of
the roadside season after season, are
very helpful, but seem to need some
nearer friend who knows the trials OF
this high place. and can sympathize
with the splendid loneliness of Il
throne"
at need not he lonely, sweet neigh
Dor, If you will lei me share it with
you, cried the Prince, his face shining
with love and joy as he leaned yet
nearer over the green wall. II have
learned much from you aud never
again can he the selfish tyrant that |
tighten them. Let me try, not as a
king but consort, and together we can
make our people happy, ] am sure"
AS he spoke, Niolet's halffolde1
leaves began to open till he saw the
| golden hear, below, and read there
more than her lips told.
NO, be king, there is room for both
upon the throne, and when love and
power go hand In hand all will he well
with the world
What the Prince answered only the
Moon heard, and she never told, but
when day dawned there was great
wonder and rejoicing in the meadow,
| for the fern screen was down, the gold
and purple flowers stood side by side;
while the Maple scattered rosy leaves
over them as be sung wedding hymn,
and the old Rock said, as the sunshine
fell upon his gray front
1T is always so, only believe, work
and wait, and in the fullness of time
right wins, and justice, truth and love
shall reign. - Louise NJ, Alcott.